Over the past three years, the NBA landscape has been marked by significant player relocations, impacting the league's dynamic between the Western and Eastern Conferences. High-profile moves have included five top-30 players relocating from the West to the East, including Paul George, Damian Lillard, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, and Tyrese Haliburton. These shifts have had profound effects on team fortunes and conference power balances.
Impactful Moves Across Conferences
Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell's transitions eastward stand out. Brunson's play dramatically altered the fate of his team, similarly to Mitchell’s notable influence. Conversely, the Western Conference regained stars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Domantas Sabonis, underscoring the dynamic nature of player movement.
Western Conference Dominance
Currently, nine of the league's top 12 players are based in the Western Conference. This concentration of talent reflects in the Top 100 list, which counts 54 players from the West versus 46 from the East. Despite these numbers, individual performances continue to shine on both sides.
Nikola Jokic has solidified his position as the best player in the league. As Brad Botkin notes, “His defense has made great strides. The fact that he has zero interest in being recognized as the world's best player is, in part, what actually makes him the world's best player.”
Stellar Individual Performances
Desmond Bane's development is also notable. Maintaining his efficiency with increased usage to 27.3% in his fourth year highlights his growth. Bane, who averaged 24.6 points during Ja Morant's nine-game absence last season, exemplifies resilience and reliability. James Herbert observed, “The Grizzlies' franchise player was willing to defer to Bane at times when they shared the floor.”
For the Timberwolves, Rudy Gobert's defensive prowess continues to shine, earning him his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award. Karl-Anthony Towns, a top-tier shooter among big men, has previously been ranked as high as No. 11 on top-100 lists. As Sam Quinn succinctly puts it, “Towns is among the best big man shooters of all time.”
Eastern Conference Stars Returning to Form
In the East, Kevin Durant, despite his move back to the Western Conference, left an indelible mark. Last season, Durant averaged 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting an impressive 41% from three-point range. Kawhi Leonard’s stat line of 23 points per game over 68 games, with a true-shooting percentage above 62%, underscores his continued excellence.
The Timberwolves made significant strides last season, reaching the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2004. Anthony Edwards emerged as a team leader, earning his first All-NBA appearance, and his future is undeniably promising. James Herbert notes, “His future looks bright with All-Star appearances seemingly just a matter of time.”
Challenges and Evolution
Meanwhile, the Clippers are navigating the challenge of integrating James Harden into their offensive scheme after Paul George’s move to Philadelphia. This transition is pivotal for maintaining their competitive edge. At the Mavericks' camp, Luka Doncic continues to amaze. As Jasmyn Wimbish marvels, “Even after six years in the league, it's not uncommon to walk away from watching Doncic play and still think, 'How is he doing this?'”
Young Talent Rising
Emerging talents like Jalen Williams also draw attention. His statistics in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's absence reminiscent of Kevin Durant's numbers, suggest his potential as both a versatile scorer and a defensive asset. Williams' versatility and impressive performances shine a light on the future stars of the league.
In summary, the NBA continues to be a league defined by its dynamic player movements and outstanding individual performances. As talent shifts between conferences, the balance of power fluctuates, yet the excitement and unpredictability of each season remain constant.